Quantitative Extraction of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (as CO2) and Water by Vacuum Distillation from Sediments of the Unsaturated Zone for Carbon Isotope Analysis (13C and 14C)

Abstract

Vacuum distillation is shown to be useful for the quantitative extraction of dissolved inorganic carbon (as CO2) and water from sediments of the unsaturated zone in the Coastal Aquifer of Israel. Several tests of vacuum extractions from tap water and sediments are presented, including standard addition, which show that the distillation procedure is quantitative, with minimal or no carbon isotope fractionation. The optimal temperature of the sediment during the extraction was also defined. Examples of vacuum extractions of sediments are shown.